Richard George, Global Planning and Development Manager for Microsoft's X-Box Repair and Refurbishing division presented "Service Vendor Partnership: The need to Turn on a Dime -- or a Nickel or a Quarter! It's about cost, quality and speed" as the keynote address in Las Vegas on February 2, 2005. He called for radical changes in the service vendor partnership and asked attendees to "...step way, way back and view the business - determine what we really need and how to reduce the cost to get it." If you missed Dick's presentation at the show, it is available for download online.

The 2nd Annual Reverse Logistics Conference and Expo Las Vegas was held February 2-3, 2005. With over 600 registered attendees and 350 companies represented, this was the largest worldwide event held specifically for the reverse logistics industry. OEMs, ECMs, 3PLs and 3PSPs gathered together to discuss issues, share ideas and gain knowledge on industry best practices. Companies represented include BestBuy, Phillips, Motorola, Lexmark, Nokia, New Age Electronics, NYK Logistics, Manhattan Associates and Ingram Micro. The entire list of companies represented can be viewed online at RLTShows.com(click here).

Attendees had the opportunity to "rub shoulders" with over 60+ Exhibitor and Sponsor companies. "This tradeshow helped me tremendously to understand the industry and the challenges OEMs and 3PSPs are facing.", said Jacqueline Randler, Americas Logistics Manager for Dell, Inc.

Bill Stuart, CEO of Stuart and Associates, moderated the panel discussion "Retail Reverse Logistics Issues". This panel included several key industry experts including Tim Neale, Wal-Mart; Michael Smith, Newgistics; Mike Lesshaft, Lexmark; Marc Flood, Bell Industries and Peter Junger, SiRAS. This panel was one of eight different panel discussions held over the two-day conference.

The Reverse Logistics Association is committed to bringing you the best services and events. We need your input and feedback. Please take a few moments to complete our survey. This survey will help us provide new services such as medical and dental benefits, an online store-front marketplace as well as provide feedback on future event offerings and locations.

Upon completion, you will be entered into a drawing for prizes including an iPod, USB Flash Drive or RL Association Memberships. Drawing will be held Friday, March 18th, 2005.

The Las Vegas 2005 Photo Gallery will also be available to view once you complete the survey

Begin Survey

Conference, Seminar, Case-Study and Panel Discussion Presentations are available for download. For a detailed listing of presentations available please visit www.RLTinc.com.

Downloads are free of charge for members of the Reverse Logistics Association. If you are not a member but attended the Reverse Logistics Conference and Expo Las Vegas 2005, for a limited time you may apply the cost of your registration toward an association membership.

Click here for more information.

OEMs Looking for 3PSPs to Purchase Returns and Close-outs

• OEMs Cost Savings and Revenue Enhancement Opportunities
• OEMs Looking for 3PSPs to Purchase Returns and Close-outs

If you are searching for valuable cost saving ideas, then place a Request for Information (RFI) with RL Quote and let the brilliant ideas roll in. Everyday new Technologies, Services and Processes are developed in the Reverse Logistics Industry. Our association looks for these ideas 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are coming in so fast we can't keep up with them! Use our services and discover that RLT Quote is your resource in finding multi-million cost savings this year! More

REGISTER NOW FOR EARLYBIRD DISCOUNTS!

Amsterdam - June 27-29, 2005
Dorint Sofitel Amsterdam Airport Hotel

Join us for Europe's Premiere Reverse Logistics Event! Reserve your hotel room using code REVE270605 and receive a discounted room rate of €135. This rate includes an American Buffet Breakfast each morning (Rate based on single occupancy, per night and does not include 6% VAT).

The Effect of Branding on Consumer Goods Return

Brand is the proprietary visual, emotional, rational, and cultural image that associates with a company or a product. When we think Volvo, we might think safety. When we think Nike, we might think of Michael Jordan or "Just Do It". When we think IBM, we might think "Big Blue". The fact that we remember the brand name and have positive associations with that brand makes the product selection easier and enhances the value and satisfaction we get from the product.

Brand is not a new-found marketing gimmick. It has provided a guarantee of quality since the beginning of commerce. Brand is much more than a trademark or a logo; it is often a "Trustmark", a promise of quality and authenticity that customers can rely on. Full Article